HTC Incredible S Review
Phone rating: 
In a nutshell: The HTC Incredible S is an Android smartphone
that sits between the Desire and Desire HD in HTC's lineup. Key features
include the huge 4 inch screen, fantastic 8 megapixel camera with HD
video recording, GPS with Google Maps, fast internet access, all-round
connectivity, plenty of memory and good battery life.
Review: February 2011.
The HTC Incredible S is the first of the new "S" series Android phones
announced by HTC in Barcelona on 15th February. What can we say about this stunning
phone? It certainly lives up to its name! The Incredible S sits midway between
the HTC Desire and the HTC
Desire HD, in price, size and spec. HTC have sought to differentiate the
Incredible S from its existing range of Android phones by subtle contouring
in its design. This is especially noticeable from the rear. Otherwise, there
isn't a lot here that's new - it fills a gap in the line-up rather than bringing
anything revolutionary to the table. So perhaps "Incredible" is stretching
things slightly.
Nevertheless, this has got to be one of the very best phones money can buy
today. Physically it isn't much larger than the original Desire, and it weighs
the same, yet HTC have miraculously fitted a larger 4 inch display with a super-high
resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. It's also been given the same camera as the
Desire HD - 8 megapixels with a dual LED flash - plus HD video recording. The
memory has been upgraded too, to 1.1GB, and you can extend this with a microSD
card by another 32GB.
The Incredible S is running Android 2.2 (Froyo), but it should get an update
to Gingerbread 2.3 fairly soon. In any case, Gingerbread doesn't offer any particularly
ground shaking new functionality. The processor is 1 GHz - the same as in the
Desire HD.
One thing that we're particularly pleased to see is that HTC have supplied
the Incredible S with a suitably high-powered battery (1450 mAh), which should
give a significantly improved battery life compared with the Desire HD.
We've just given a quick overview of the Incredible S here, outlining how it
differs from the existing line-up. Read our HTC Desire
review and HTC Desire HD review if you'd
like to find out more about what these phones are capable of. We'll just conclude
here by saying that the Incredible S would be a fantastic upgrade for any existing
Desire owners, with a larger screen, improved camera and more memory. If you're
choosing between the Incredible S and the Desire HD, you'll probably conclude
that the Desire HD offers more, although it is of course a larger phone and
the Incredible S has better battery life. There will be more Android phones
released in the next few months, so you might want to wait for one of the dual-core
devices before making up your mind. But then again, new phones are being released
all the time and there's always something better, just around the corner.
If you want the very best that's available right now, the Incredible
S should definitely be on your shortlist.
Features of the HTC Incredible S include:
- 8 megapixel camera with autofocus and dual LED flash plus 1.3 megapixel
front camera
- 720p HD video recording
- Display: capacitive touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom capability, 480 x 800
pixels (4 inches) with auto-rotate
- GPS receiver with digital compass, Google Maps, HTC Footprints and geo-tagging
- Music player (aac, .amr, .ogg, .m4a, .mid, .mp3, .wav, .wma formats)
- FM radio
- SRS WOW HD virtual surround sound
- Messaging: SMS, MMS, Email
- Ringtones: MP3 ringtones
- Internet: GPRS, EDGE, HSPA (14.4 Mbps download, 5.76 Mbps upload), Adobe®
Flash® Player 10
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate, micro-USB 2.0,
3.5mm audio jack
- Memory: 1.1GB plus 768MB RAM plus microSD memory card (up to 32GB)
- Vibration alert
- Quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) plus HSPA/WCDMA (900/2100 MHz)
- Size: 120 x 64 x 11.7 mm
- Weight: 135.5g
- Battery: 1450 mAh
- Talktime: 380 - 580 minutes
- Battery standby: 290 - 370 hours
HTC Incredible S User Reviews
Love your mobile? Hate it? Please share your experiences to help other
people choose the phone that's best for them. Please do not review this
phone if you have not used it. This is a review site, not a forum, so
please don't just ask questions. Please do not use swear words or offensive
language, and please, no advertising!
Average rating from 30 reviews: 
Reviewed by Abby from UK on 4th Jun 2012
This is a Great Phone, Dont know why There are Bad reviews Below, maybe
they Dont know how to Use a Smart Phone properly, AFter owning A Desire
s, Desire HD, This phone must be the Icing on the Cake, Bargain too
£105 From Ebay.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Eddy from UK on 5th Feb 2012
I have now had the phone for 6 months and still love it.
Good points are the screen quality, speed, virtual keyboard, internet
browsing, Android apps and the camera also is OK.
I would say the only bad point is the speaker volume on loud speaker
is pretty quite.
Having the speaker on the back of the phone is a bit strange (especially
after having a Nokia Xpress music phone) but when the phone is placed
on a surface the sound quality improves.
Cannot see any need to upgrade when the time comes as this phone does
every thing I could possibly want. Easily 5 stars.
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Reviewed by Emma from England on 20th Dec 2011
I Have had this phoen for quite a few months now and i have to say it
is the best phone that i have ever had. My signal is generally great
(expecially for living right in the country side!), it very oftern has
better signal that my collegues phones including the new Iphone. If
your phone was not working that well then perhaps there was something
wrong with that phone as i love mine, it does exactly what i need it
to do and more. I love the new update that i have just installed it
makes the phone look even more modern. I hope many more updates come
in the future!
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Reviewed by Kamurocho Lullably from United Kingdom on
17th Nov 2011
Owned this phone for 3 - very long - days and couldn't wait to return
it. A dreadful handset and one of the worst I've owned for a long time.
Battery life was frankly dreadful - even for a battery which was just
getting up to speed. It felt impossible to stop the phone, or the OS,
randomly opening apps which were a drain on resource. Screen outside
in bright light was absolutely hopeless. Camera took poor shots and
the music player was, at best, tinny. Have now swapped it for a new
Nokia Lumia and the difference is really like night and day. Will review
that in due course.
Rating:  Reply
Reviewed by qasimodo from bell tower on 16th Oct
2011
1 T H I N G T O S A Y A M A Z I N G !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!B E S
T S E L L I N G H A N D S E T I N H T C
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Reviewed by hughm from UK on 4th Sep 2011
Liked this phone and decided to get it sim free. Had to return it because
of reception issues specifically people phoning you and not getting
through. Speaker is very poor, and audio playback very juddery. When
I returned it to check the reception problems apparently they knew about
reception problems due to faulty contacts on the back cover. A pity
- spoils an otherwise nice performing phone.
Rating: 
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Reviewed by NAJIB from ABERDEEN on 15th Aug 2011
BEST PHONE BETTER THAN XPIREA PLAY AND DESIRE S
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Reviewed by James from Sweden on 12th Aug 2011
My first introduction to Android phones was with the Sony Ericsson Xperia
10 Mini. I bought it because I had always been a Sony Ericsson whore,
and it seemed the best Android phone for the money. However, after a
few months I realised my mistake and was starting to regret getting
something with a 2.5” screen, relitavely slow processor and appalling
battery life. It was time to get an upgrade! Originally I was tied between
the HTC Desire S and the HTC Incredible S. I eventually went for the
Desire S due to the better quoted battery life and metal case. However,
in less than 24hrs the screen was starting to come away at the bottom,
the rubber insert on the back was badly fitted, the battery cover was
difficult to remove, and the software would crash repeatedly when searching
through the contacts list. I took it back to the shop who offered a
replacement with no obligation. I accepted this, but asked them for
a HTC Incredible S instead, since they were selling the two at the same
price (fate perhaps?) Anyway, I think this was the best thing that could
have happened to me, since the Incredible S feels nicer in the hand
and easier to operate with having a bigger screen and keypad; both cameras
are also far superior. Otherwise though it is the same in terms of specification
and features to the Desire S. Although I didn’t have the Desire
S for long, I think the battery life is comparable, since I used both
phones quite intensely on their first days of ownership, unplugging
at 6am, and by 5pm both were down to around 55%. I know this isn’t
very scientific, but what I can report is that the Incredible S battery
gets better with age after the first few charges, if you do it in the
correct way – i.e. deplete the battery completely than charge
it from the mains for 8hrs solid for the first 4 or 5 charges. After
that you can just charge it until it’s full! Both were much better
than the Xperia 10 mini. The reason for not getting 5 stars is because
my friend has a Samsung Galaxy SII, and after comparing the two side-by-side
the Samsung is slightly superior… but then again it did cost him
about £150 more than my Incredible S did. Therefore I think I got a
good bargain :)
Rating:
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Reviewed by Ian from England on 5th Aug 2011
This phone on paper is a very good phone although trying to use it as
an every day device is a different story. I started having problems
with it within the first two weeks of having it, constantly updating,
applications running when not in use, poor battery life, very poor sound
quality (stutters, very annoying when listening toi music) and no designated
camera button. I could go on. In my opinion smart phones are too smart
for their own good and still need some serious development! I definately
wouldn't reccomend buying this phone and would stick to nokia, sony
ericcsson or blackberry.
Rating:
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Reviewed by paul from northern ireland on 26th
Jun 2011
To be honest I was 50/50 between the HTC incredible and iphone4 but
after about 3 weeks spent researching and studying reviews just like
this one I opted for HTC. This phone is just as it says.....incredible.
What made my decision even more justified was that a lady was stood
in the phone shop complaining about what a poor phone her new iPhone
was just as I was signing up the contract. Apple are over hyped, elitist,
out of date and don't even hold reception long enough to make a phone
call. I'm loving this HTC and have converted 3 mates in as many days.
Best mobile on the market by a country mile!!!!!
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Reviewed by Elena from UK on 13th Jun 2011
Phone is generally good. In call I can hear great but can the other
person say the same? They can hardly hear me when I'm in call. I have
tried everything but nothing works. Other major issue would be receiving
texts from people takes a good3hours to get. How would that be useful
to me? Just wondering if It's a phone fault or network issue. Battery
life is not bad considering I use it all day to call text and browse
the net which is actually a very nice experience. Loud speaker could
be louder. Picture quality is very good really can't complain. Overall
considering what I use the phone for its not good4 me. Need a phone
that can do at least the basics :-(
Rating: 
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Reviewed by Usman A Qureshi from Australia on
13th Jun 2011
Just bought a HTC Incredible S a few days back. Incredible good build.
Incredibly bad battery. I'm a tech-guy. So I know stuff. Well at least
I think I know. So I keep most of services off on my phone. But still
it last for about 10 hours or so. Is it just my phone or is it happening
with others as well. Very disappointed.
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Reply by Mobile Phones UK from UK on
13th Jun 2011
A few days isn't long enough to judge a new battery.
Reviewed by jimmy from australia on 11th Jun 2011
First smartphone I have, couldn't sell my soul to the iPhone 4 because
I hate how it ruins the moment. This phone initially took over me (as
does anything shiny and new), but it hasn't consumed my life like the
iPhone has my friends. A great piece of technology
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Reviewed by Fred from UK on 10th Jun 2011
Outstanding
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Reviewed by O. Morgan Williams from UK on 10th
Jun 2011
Initially thought the phone was fantastic... turns out it didn't receive
texts until 6 hours later and people couldn't ring me yet i could ring
and text them. A great phone for flashy gadgets yet ask it to perform
basic tasks and it is utter rubbish!
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by k.schofield from uk on 6th Jun 2011
i have had two of the incredible s phones in 3 months both have been
faulty the first crashed twice and would not update the second is only
two days old and has developed a fault where it looses service and you
need to turn the phone off then on to get it back,the battery life is
not that good has to be charged every day
Rating:
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Reviewed by francis from UK on 31st May 2011
..IVE tried them all and can honestly say this is a great phone...ok
it will be out of date soon..but what phone wont be. anyway by that
time my contract will be up and i can move on..this is a seriously lovely
phone...my update to 2.3 will be added soon as if got the nerve to do
it as my last attempt at an 'update' with samsung rendered my phone
'bricked' and they wernt interested in solving it...so i stay away from
them now.anyway this is 1 hundred times better..only gripe...too much
tech for me but at least i know that if i gert more 'savvy' i can cope
with it..
Rating:
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Reviewed by Subha Lamichhane from Nepal on 12th
May 2011
I had to write a rather jaded review of the SE Xperia X10,and finally
decided to take a chance on the Htc incredible s.I think this is an
absolutely beautiful handset and exudes quality.It has performed exceptionally
well so far,none of the major reported problems.Touch screen is a delight
and simple to use.Only had it a few days,but absolutely love it.Always
said i would never give in to the HTC brigade,but am now hooked.Very
very impressed
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Reviewed by Chris from UK on 3rd May 2011
Got to be the best bang for buck phone out there, awseome.
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Reviewed by Job from UK on 31st Mar 2011
Amazing phone, the battery life isnt too great youll be lucky to get
a day out of it unless you close all power draining apps, the mp3 player
is tinny as it is on all android phones, you'll need to pay for a decent
EQ app like i did and now its perfect :) (audio player with EQ platinum):app
name..................... yea haaaaa
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Reviewed by woodster from uk on 30th Mar 2011
Just a small tip to try with htc phones is with the camera, just try
taking the iso setting off auto and putting it to 100 and just watch
it improve totally... it seems to be fault with the software but just
give it a go it may help
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Reviewed by Dil from uk on 26th Mar 2011
Can only reiterate other comments. This phone is superb - sturdy and
reliable. Everything on it just...works. Its zippy and the 4in screen
is great. HTC sense is a true bonus and the android operating system
is very flexible indeed (where the iphone falls down). One downside
is that the camera is not as good as other phones (comparing Nokia and
iphone), but other advantages make this a 'better buy' in my opinion
Rating:
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Reviewed by teddy ang from singapore on 18th Mar
2011
Been changing phone regularly this phone rocks
Rating:
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Reviewed by Les from england on 16th Mar 2011
Did my research on android phones for months before finally deciding
on the galaxy s, returned it after 2 weeks due to connection problems,
would not sync with my lap top and kies was a nightmare. Now to the
HTC Incredible s, it's fabulous, lightning fast, sync's with almost
anything if you'll let it. Its as if the phone knows what you won't
it to do, so easy to set up, within minutes of taking it out of the
box it had sync'ed with all my contacts from face book complete with
all there phone numbers, sync,d with all e.mail accounts and set up
google accounts with very little input. battery lasts a good 2 days
after a couple of charges and the screen is just as good as the galaxy,
though not in sunlight. What more can I say, other than FANTASTIC PHONE,
BUY IT.
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Reviewed by Ashish from Nepal on 15th Mar 2011
This is the real phone. Even iphone 5 cant beat this phone
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Reviewed by David from England on 10th Mar 2011
This is a superb phone. The feel and handling is excellent with the
matt finish and sculpted back and build quality seems up to the usual
high HTC standards. The screen is larger than the Desire, but smaller
than the Desire HD - the perfect compromise. This phone just works!
Battery life is definitely better than the other two HTC phones mentioned
here. If you like Android, don't hesitate.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Chiswick Singh from London, UK on
10th Mar 2011
Having finally ditched my tired, old and moth-eaten BlackBerry Bold
9000 and bought an "HTC Incredible S", I wonder how I ever lived without
a decent smartphone. I'm absolutely amazed with HTC & Android and this
handset is the best ever. So dynamic, adaptable and scalable - something
you wouldn't get with the ubiquitous Apple iPhone. Battery life is excellent
and I'm glad I didn't buy the (also excellent) HTD Desire HD!
Rating:
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Reviewed by mark from england on 5th Mar 2011
Another great Android device that wipes the floor with the over rated
iphone 4
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Reviewed by Jazd from Wales on 5th Mar 2011
If you've loved the HTC Hero, then moved to the HTC Desire and thought
that was amazing then you will not be disappointed with the Incredible
S; it is simply fantastic, battery life on mine is great(make sure download
frequencies are realistic)down to 58 % after 14 hours, it's slick, light
and very quick, browsing is rapid and the new Sense UI is much improved;
lets hope they do as they say and up date it to the latest android release,
2.2.1 is great but android lovers will want the latest.
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Reviewed by akash singh from uk on 26th Feb 2011
its alright
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